Artwork
Dni Maioris sive Praetoris Londinensis Vxoris Hab:
Dni Maioris sive Praetoris Londinensis Vxoris Hab: is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
In her left hand, she holds a fan, and her right hand rests on a small, round object.
This black-and-white print shows a woman in old-fashioned clothes. She wears a wide-brimmed hat, a ruffled collar, and a long dress with puffy sleeves. In her left hand, she holds a fan, and her right hand rests on a small, round object.
The text above her head says something in German about a "Mrs. Mayor or Burgomaster’s wife from London." The artist’s name, *Hollar*, and the year *1649* are written at the bottom.
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Overview
Dni Maioris sive Praetoris Londinensis Vxoris Hab is a 1649 etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born printmaker active in England. The work depicts a woman identified as the wife of a London mayor or burgomaster.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is portrayed in formal, old-fashioned attire, including a wide-brimmed hat, ruffled collar, and long dress with puffy sleeves. She holds a fan in her left hand and rests her right on a small, round object, conveying a sense of elegance and refinement. The inscription above her head, in German, specifies her association with London's municipal authority.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the etching showcases Hollar's mastery of printmaking techniques prevalent in the mid-17th century. Characteristic of his detailed approach, the work combines intricate line work with expressive shading to capture the subject's demeanor and the textures of her clothing.
History & Provenance
Created in 1649, the etching bears Hollar's name and the year at the bottom, providing clear attribution and dating. While the subject's specific identity remains unspecified, the title suggests a connection to London's governance during Hollar's time in England.
Context
This work aligns with Hollar's broader oeuvre of urban and figure studies, often capturing the essence of 17th-century life. As an etching, it reflects the popularity of printmaking for disseminating images of contemporary figures and scenes during this period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
